
Delmarva Fox Squirrels are very large; they can weigh 2.5 – 3 pounds.
One of the largest species of squirrels, Delmarva Fox Squirrel is no longer threatened by extinction. Their population seems to be on the rise now that conservation efforts have been made to protect them against threats of all kinds.
Half a century ago Delmarva Fox squirrels were incredibly rare, fact which prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to include this species on the list of endangered animals. Their decision seems to have paid off as the super-sized squirrel has made a strong come back and it will soon be excluded from the aforementioned list.
U.S. authorities have reviewed the list of endangered specimens because some areas have become too populated with threatened animals. Some species are even harmful to humans; therefore, conservationists had to think the list all over again.
Among the recovering species were also Delmarva Fox Squirrels which are renowned for their incredibly large size. They can weigh 2.5 – 3 pounds and they can reach heights of approximately 38 inches. Another specific trait is their long and fluffy tail which can be even 15 inches long.
Half a century ago, there were only 10% of the population of the squirrels left and this because humans have constantly destroyed their habitat. These squirrels do not live in urban and suburban areas, they need special habitats to continue breeding.
As a matter of fact, the protection of their habitat was one of the measures that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has adopted. The second measure saw the prohibition of Delmarva Fox squirrel hunting as many exemplars were killed during such activities.
Now that it has been officially acknowledged that this species of squirrels is no longer endangered, authorities celebrate their achievement. Conservationist groups are glad that the population of these squirrel has risen again. They consider this achievement as a clear proof that the Endangered Species Act is really effective.
Although the species will be removed from the Endangered Species Act, there remain rare exemplars in Delaware, nonetheless. Consequently, the Delmarva Fox Squirrels Conservation Plan will continue to be observed to increase Delaware’s habitat protection laws.
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